Folks have asked if this is a drought busting storm. My answer is yes, and no.

The excessive rainfall and snowfall totals dumped 2″ of liquid on a huge chunk of the southern 2/3 of Minnesota. That runoff (and recent storms) will help recharge rivers and lakes in Minnesota. So it will help abate, but not totally alleviate the “hydrologic” (rivers & lakes) part of the drought.

What it will not help much are the soils. With frozen ground not too much of this moisture will soak in. We need ample (even excessive) rain after the thaw to fully recharge drought stricken soils.

Next snow Friday?

After a quiet Thursday, there is a chance of light snow Friday in Minnesota. The system looks small compared to our mid-week blitz, but a couple of inches is a possibility Friday.

Major warm up next week?

The overall weather pattern looks much warmer starting next week.

A mild southwest flow looks to set up next week. That could boost temps significantly above average again. Once we melt off the snow, temps could soar into the 50s.

Looking ahead, it looks like an even warmer pattern may return after a brief cool down.

The GFS is cranking out temperatures in…the 60s by around March 10th-13th!

About the blogger

Paul Huttner is chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio. Huttner has worked TV and radio stations in Minneapolis, Tucson and Chicago. Paul is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul and holds a bachelor’s degree in geography with an emphasis in meteorology.